A Lively Decade Celebrated: Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park
National Park of Hunsrück-Hochwald Marks Decade of Establishment - Park of Hunsrück-Hochwald marks its initial decade of operation.
Get ready for an exhilarating weekend, as the vibrant Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park marks its ten-year milestone! Kicking off at the park's Erbeskopf gate, visitors can embark on guided tours with rangers and local experts. Expect a mix of music, local market treats, and hands-on workshops, making it a celebration to remember.
With Rhineland-Palatinate’s Minister-President Alexander Schweitzer (SPD) at the helm, the jubilee festival is a testament to the park’s success story. The breathtaking landscapes sprawled over some 10,000 hectares house beech forests, peatlands, and rare species, safeguarding biological diversity and international conservation objectives. A significant chunk, approximately 90%, lies within Rhineland-Pfalz, while the remaining 10% is in the adjacent Saarland.
Schweitzer accentuates transboundary triumph
This triumph is not a solitary victory, said Schweitzer, emphasizing the cross-border accord. In 2015, Rhineland-Palatinate and the Saarland teamed up, working together to safeguard pristine beech forests, peatlands, and endangered species, bolstering the region's biodiversity. The park has garnered attention throughout Germany and beyond, as evidenced by comparisons drawn by the American Consul General to the awe-inspiring North American national parks.
Eder highlights advertising endeavors
Katrin Eder, Rhineland-Palatinate’s Minister for the Environment, emphasizes the advertising initiatives, with buses and trains promoting the national park. Eder, a Green politician, passionately declares, "The natural dynamics we experience here are astoundingly vigorous. The Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park is a treasured gem in Rhineland-Palatinate."
The region acts as a "hotspot of biodiversity," providing sanctuary to numerous rare species, from the elusive seven-star in the high moors to the stealthy black stork in the ancient forests, to the enigmatic wildcat, symbolizing the park.
The park allows nature to flourish, with forests growing undisturbed. "Boosting our grasp of natural adaptation techniques in numerous research projects will benefit us outside the park," said Eder.
Wilderness expansion surpasses expectations
In 2015, 25% of the park was designated as wilderness. The target was 75% by 2045, but the park is poised to reach that goal ahead of schedule, by 2030, as announced by the Ministry of the Environment.
Further festivities will unfold at the National Park gate Erbeskopf on Saturday, while on Sunday and Monday, the celebration moves to the National Park gate Keltenpark in the Saarland's Nonnweiler-Otzenhausen. Rangers and park guides will ensure unforgettable nature experiences in the Saarland.
The state of Rhineland-Palatinate has invested 17.7 million euros in the national park until 2024, with 6.4 million euros earmarked for the 2025/2026 double budget, as per the ministry. As the youngest national park in the country, Hunsrück-Hochwald continues to shine, captivating both locals and visitors alike.
- The Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park, a hotspot of biodiversity, has attracted attention from various scientific fields, with ongoing research projects providing insights into natural adaptation techniques that could benefit other industries, such as environmental-science and lifestyle sectors.
- Looking beyond the park's boundaries, the success story of the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park could serve as an example for the steel industry in the areas of travel and community aid, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and conservation objectives, as demonstrated by its cross-border accord with Saarland.
